Sanjay Leela Bhansali challenged Netflix CEO with Heeramandi script? His epic reaction

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is undoubtedly one of the finest Indian filmmakers, but he was limited to cinema till he decided to take on the challenge of a web series. With it, we got to witness the grandeur of Heeramandi. However, when Bhansali pitched the idea to Netflix, the CEO felt it was like a challenge. Ted Sarandos revealed his first reaction on hearing about Heeramandi from the legend itself, and the conversation was hilarious. Here's what he said...

'Heeramandi felt like a challenge'

During the podcast, Netflix CEO revealed that he felt Heeramandi was the filmmaker challenging him. Recalling how Bhansali flew down to LA with the script, Sarandos said on the podcast, "Honestly, it almost felt like a dare — like he was saying, ‘I dare you to make this; it’s so big. He’s a legend of cinema, so the idea of him making a TV show was unheard of. I thought he came for us to say no." He tasted the world of Bhansali for the first time, with lots of delays and complicated production, thanks to the making of Heeramandi. He even recalled the enormous sets that were recreated in the old-fashion. "To me, Heeramandi is a true reflection of India’s deep, enduring love for cinema," he said.

Heeramandi season 2 update

Ever since Heeramandi was out, fans have been waiting for a new season of the series. While the makers did confirm that there would be a second season of the series, it is not a part of 2025-2026 release slate. Given how the first season also took years to finally release, one might expect delays even with the second season. Thus, it is tough to say whether the show is in the making or not. Last we heard, it was under pre-production. But, Bhansali is caught up with his movie Love & War, featuring 'Rockstar' Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and URI actor Vicky Kaushal at this point and thus, Heeramandi season 2 would take longer to go back on floors.

What was Heeramandi about?

Heeramandi was mainly an ode to the courtesan culture before India-Pakistan partition. The series, originally planned as a movie, was set in Lahore of pre-partition. The original cast included Pakistani artists but since the ban, they were replaced. Heeramandi eventually released with Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha (Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi), Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha leading the cast.